Plantar fasciitis is a complex-sounding term, but its description is simple; heel pain. This condition is common and is one of the most frequently seen in our office. Unfortunately, before coming in patients continue to walk and work trying one of the many store-bought inserts which supposedly are designed to treat this problem. This generally results in a waste of money and time while allowing the pain to intensify.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Typically patients complain of a sharp pain about the bottom of the heel which is generally worse when they step on it following a period off of their feet (sleeping or even sitting down for a lunch break). Pain, as you walk also, is apparent and this “ache” generally worsens as more time is spent on your feet. Most patients are unable to remember any injury to the foot or how the condition began.
What Causes Plantar fasciitis?
The Plantar fascia is a long ligament (thick fibrous tissue) that courses along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to the base of your toes. It naturally stretches as you walk. When it is overstretched, it becomes increasingly inflamed and painful.
At Thurber and Thurber Podiatric Medicine and Foot Surgery, with locations in Elmira, Horseheads, and Waverly, NY, we can help find the right treatment for your plantar fasciitis so you can go about your day, pain-free.
How is Plantar fasciitis treated?
As this is a mechanically induced problem, managing the mechanics (stress on the ligament) is the most important factor in managing this problem. Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications in eluding steroids can be helpful, however, these will fail if used without an effort to reduce strain on the ligament.
At our Elmira, Horseheads, or Waverly, NY, offices we will begin by examining your foot to help determine the cause and extensiveness of your heel pain. This can generally be determined through a simple method of bending your toes forward while your podiatrist presses on the bottom of your foot.
We value your time and will avoid sending you out for X-rays or equipment to manage your problem.
Our offices are equipped with digital X-rays and ultrasound imaging as well as a full inventory of devices to help reduce the strain on the ligament which you can try in the office.
Get back on your feet with the help of the podiatrists at Thurber and Thurber Podiatric Medicine and Foot Surgery. Call our Elmira, NY, office at 607-734-4582, our Horseheads, NY, office at 607-739-8318, or our Waverly, NY, office at 607-565-8128 to schedule an appointment today.